Football Completes First Spring Scrimmage

Courtesy: cyclones.com

Release: 04/04/2009

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AMES, Iowa - Iowa State’s football team scrimmaged in full pads at the Bergstrom Indoor Training Facility Saturday, while playing host to some of the top high school juniors in the state. The practice was conducted with a crew of officials that included former ISU wide receiver Lane Danielsen. Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads saw some things he liked during the scrimmage but said his team has much to learn.

“I have seen us make some progress and the guys are in a learning process,” Rhoads said. “We have been concentrating on our tackling and as a defense we must make improvements there. Today I think I saw us tackle better. The defense had the upper hand for much of the day.”

Iowa State nose guard Nate Frere said there are changes in the way his position is going to play in defensive coordinator’s Wally Burnham new defense, although it may be hard to see from the stands.

“We are doing more than just playing off blocks and filling the running lanes,” Frere said. “Now we are working to push back the offensive lineman to further disrupt the offense. I like it.”

ISU quarterback Austen Arnaud confirmed the progress being made by the Cyclone defensive line.

“The defensive line was getting a lot of penetration today, which is something I have to work on with the offensive line. They are getting better and this was a good day for the defense.

Rhoads said the offense had its moments too Saturday.

“I thought in particular, the offense was very good in the red zone,” Rhoads said. “We were able to get into the end zone several times.”